Earlier this month I wrote once again to the Minister for Rail and HS2 at the Department for Transport about what measures operators have in place for evacuating those with mobility issues or disabilities from trains during emergency situations should they arise between stations.
This afternoon (21st of January, 2026) I received a response to the concerns that I raised with the Department for Transport in relation to this issue from Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE.
In his response Lord Hendy said that, “Staff on West Midlands Trains (WMT), which operators both West Midlands Railway (WMR) and London Northwestern Railway (LNR) services, are trained to support all customers, including those who require assistance boarding and alighting trains, and those experiencing distress or discomfort”
” All WMT services run with a senior conductor onboard, who is available to provide support and assistance to passengers in a wide range of scenarios, and, where alerted will contact the British Transport Police (BTP) for assistance” added the Minister.
Continuing with the Minister said that, ” Evacuation plans for the safe disembarking of trains in an emergency are managed by every rail operating company, to put into action, if necessary, as they hold the responsibility for passenger safety”.
” The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the railway safety regulator, and Transport Focus, the passenger watchdog, jointly commissioned research examining the passenger experience in stranded train incidents. The report published in August 2024, called for greater focus on the safety, welfare and customer experience of passengers involved in such incidents”.
” Specific recommendations to industry included the need to create and implement recovery plans more quickly when stranding incidents happen, particularly where there is no power to a train. There also needs to be greater support for onward journeys after passengers have been evacuated from a train” the response continued.
” WMT continually reviews its existing portfolio to include access, equality and inclusion matters that align with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) training outcomes. This is primarily achieved through WMT’s Accessibility Matters training programme, which was developed in collaboration with accessibility stakeholder groups and addresses themes around understanding everyday challenges, equality legislation, defining disability, recognising customers who need assistance and the Railway Regulatory Framework” Lord Hendy added.
He concluded his response by adding, ” This training is delivered to all frontline staff, with refresher training undertaken every two years. WMT continually evolve training methods and outcomes to reflect customer expectations and operational changes”.
As a wheelchair using rail passenger the rail operator I use the most will do everything in it’s power to ensure that I am kept safe whilst onboard there services across the region, which gives me some piece of mind.
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Thank you to the team at West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway who I have kept me safe whilst onboard there rail services over the years, it does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated.
A thank you must also go to each and everyone of you, my loyal readers and social media followers who continually take the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest posts, again it does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated.
Cam
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